The School Board
After the frivolity of yesterday, it was time to get back to work today.
A new tradition I’ve started in our home is to leave amusing messages on the whiteboard for the family to find each morning. Gigi’s learning to read, so it’s the thrill of her morning to race downstairs and try to decipher whatever moronic message I’ve left. “B-b-b-be sure to dr-r-r-ink your Ovaltine?!”
Sometimes the messages are inspiring, sometimes they are educational, but most of the time they are nonsense. Today’s was mildly optimistic.
My self-portrait in Mimi’s rocking chair is spot-on.
But I was right…today was much better than yesterday. I had plenty of home-work to do, including “schooling” the children.
Dressed for school.
Art time.
Their ladybugs are slightly better than my self-portrait, I’d say.
Snack time.
Steamed kale and pumpkin seeds at her request. I don’t believe me either.
Driver’s ed.
I’m both proud and worried that she is trying to reach the gas pedals.
Beauty school.
I think this is what the professionals call “over processing.”
I’ll let you know for sure next week.
Home Economics.
Today’s creation was an A+.
Cherry Almond Granola
- 2 1/4 c. old-fashioned oats
- 3/4 c. almonds, roughly chopped
- 1/2 c. dried cherries, roughly chopped
- 1/2 t. salt
- 3 T. organic brown sugar
- 3 T. maple syrup
- 2 T. oil of your choice (I used almond oil from a new almond butter jar, but perhaps actual almond butter would work too, otherwise canola oil)
- 1/2 t. almond extract
Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
Chop cherries and almonds.
Combine first four ingredients in a large bowl.
In a smaller bowl, combine brown sugar, maple syrup, oil and extract.
Pour wet ingredients on top of dry and stir until evenly coated.
Spread granola mix on a baking sheet that has been sprayed with non-stick spray. Bake for 60-70 minutes, stirring every fifteen minutes to ensure even toasting.
Snack time again. Gigi’s response, “You know what this needs? Pumpkin seeds!”
Smarty pants.
I’ve now got some book work to do and I need to finish the masterpiece on the white board for tomorrow. It’s a tribute to Gary Coleman, obviously.
I’ve made cherry pecan granola, but I bet that almond oil would make it even yummier.
What kind of oats do you usually buy?
I buy Bob’s Red Mill. They seem heartier and chewier than Quaker to me!
I bet your house smelled amazing for the 60-70 mins you baked that!
First off, can your kids get any cuter?! Second, did she really eat steamed kale as a snack?! Prime example of if you feed them real food, they’ll crave real food!! Amazing!
It always amazes me how much goes on in your household each day. I guess that is the life with two young kids.
Ah! Kids are driving sooo young these days! I waited till I was 18… I wanted to be safe
!
I wish I had 1/2 of Gigi and Lulu’s energy and a 1/4 of yours, lol. I need to make homemade granola, that looks so… righteous.
Jenn
You will note that Superwoman’s benevolence extends to fellow artists. Is there any end to her kindness?
And I like the fact that her alter ego serves tea and coffee at her salon. I know there is a tray of crudites or cookies around there as well. Champers (er…sparkling cider!) cannot be far behind.
Cider it is… Lulu, after all, is driving.
P.S. That is actually a real picture of a child
munching down on steamed kale, right?
Just checking..!
She told Pea Daddy she had kale for a snack and he said, “WHAT?!” She shrugged and said, “It just tastes like broccoli, Dad.”
Yeah, Dad, because broccoli tastes awesome!
That granola looks and sounds great lady! The girls are so adorable, as usual!
Love the white board amusement!
Lulu’s appearance is priceless in this post.
I’m praying now that my kids will want “kale” for a snack. That kid has some pretty awesome taste buds.
Much better than any preschool! I would like to send my children to the Pea School. Open enrollment anytime soon by chance?
The pic of her eating kale with pumpkin seeds! Awesome!!
Mmmmm granola!
seriously, you rock!! steamed kale for a snack. there was a lot of schooling going on yesterday. hahaha, i’d love to enroll in pea academy.
as for little lulu. the picture of her driving brought back memories of all the previous posts about her and spring break, the picture of her pretzel (still laughing) and her reference to eating a truck driver. hahaha. and we pegged her as the conservative one. lol.
Love the Super Girl costume! Homemade granola really is the best! I love making it here. In fact my kids have been begging me to make it lately…guess I need to get on it! Have a great Thursday!
I love this blog so much. Please tell me your cookbook will be as witty and hilarious.
I love Ralphie. Nothing beats the scene with the tongue stuck on the pole….the pink bunny suit….or the “f…udge” incident.
OMGoodness, Lulu’s school outfit is adorable! LOL Love it:)
Love cherry almond granola! It’s one of my BFF’s favorite – I’ll have to bake yours for her!
Love that Gigi requested steamed kale. I don’t think you could have forced me to eat kale at that age! In fact, I don’t think I would have eaten it even three years ago.
I’ve worked with kids for several years now and one thing the mothers complain to me about a lot is how their kids love junk food and won’t touch vegetables. Next ti’me I hear it, I’m gonna send them here (that way I don’t have to say, “Well, what kind of vegetables do YOU eat?”)
You make me optimistic that if I just live my life the way I am satisfied, my (eventual future) family will kowtow.
Just make sure Lulu knows the difference between the brake and the gas pedal!
I just caught up on a handful of posts, so these comments could come from anywhere!
First off, I guess I don’t see what was so wrong with your new ‘do! I think you look gorgeous! But you could have gone for the Beyonce look…
I remember reading about the most delicious-looking vegan mac on here a few days ago. I was in a fever-induced haze, but I know this was your outstanding creation. Will be trying this over the summa.
I can’t believe your kidlet requested kale as a snack. I wouldn’t even do that! Your kids are officially better eaters than I am.
Hope your Thursday is wonderful! xoxoxoxoxo
love her description of kale
that’s so funny.
I LOVE making granola – it makes the house smell amazing! and what a great idea to use the almond butter oil.
That is AWESOME that Gigi asked for steamed kale and pumpkin seeds for a snack. Wow… can you please raise my future kids for me also??
I remember my brother trying to reach the car pedals when he was younger and he actually turned the car on and started driving right through the driveway! Fun times!
Great looking granola…I love the addition of the cherries. I am going to try this out asap!
Ah, I want a white board!! How fun
The granola looks great too! I made a nutty granola once and we couldn’t quit eating it! I want to say it was Ellie Krueger’s (sp?) recipe?
I love the white board messages!
I love, love, LOVE homemade granola. So yummy. Can’t wait to try this recipe!
Occasionally I would get my kids to eat healthy snacks……but then my hubby would just turn around and buy them junk and ruin my successes. Sort of like this vegan thing. I buy vegan items, hubby brings home non vegan items.
I still have influence over my 12 year old, but my 18 year is a lost cause. I’ve made enough of an impression on the 18 year that she gave up soda (course sugary drinks fill the void), and she prefers veggie burgers over meat!!
I asked him yesterday if he would consider going vegetarian for me – like your hubby and he laughed at me. Oh well…….one meal, one item at a time. At least he pulled out the earth balance and used it
He’s also promised not to buy regular mayo and worcestershire sauce.
I remember when I tried reaching the pedals when I was young, haha. Actually I would be on the floor using my hands on the pedals, and Lori had her hands on the wheel…haha about gave our parents a heart attack.
Granola looks great, it has been a long time since I made granola…hmmm might have to change that.
gigi wanting kale + pumpkin seeds = made my day. i wish i wanted kale + pumpkin seeds. in fact, right now i could go for a dairy queen blizzard. don’t hate.
Me likes this recipe a lot! Cherries + almond butter
+ oats could never fail! Glad the girls had such an awesome school day. I’m sure there will be more exciting lessons to come! MY favorite “lesson” was making gingerbread men and houses. That’s some seriously important information!
I love that you are raising such healthy eaters who know that you can eat pumpkin seeds. I didn’t learn that until I was in college.
i like the whiteboard idea…and the fact that gigi chose kale & pumpkin seeds? really? she’s better at food combos than i am!
Looks like you have some kind of sauce on that kale? Mine letting us in on what it is? I wish I would eat steamed kale and pumpkin seeds as a snack!
wonderful school outfit: better two pairs of underwear than none at all! (my mom put a letter in my babybook to her from my kindergarten teacher letter her know I forgot underpinnings for the day. cruel to save such a thing)
looks so delicious!
thats amazing that your girls eat kale and WANTED it! When I have kids i def want to bring them up incorporating ALL sorts of fruits and veggies into their diet
Its so true that kids will eat healthy foods if you give them a chance! Good for you. Do you homeschool your girls?
I also loved dressing up in my favorite costumes around the house when I was about Gigi’s age. A ballerina tutu topped with a beret and Pocahontas’s legit costume from the Disney Store were in heavy rotation in my wardrobe. Those were the days…Now I just go to theme parties!
Every time I read your blog I laugh out loud. Every. Time.
haha, you’re a super star mom if your daughter asks for steamed kale. Work it.
haha I LOVE LOVE LOVE this post
I admire you so much and for how healthy your kids eat, and love that they love eating so healthy!!! I think that is so important! U are awesome!
How do you not eat that entire tray at once? Good thing you have 2 little people to share it with!
That picture of Lulu at the wheel? You have got to kidding me! Cutest thing I maybe have ever seen.
Hope the “book work” is coming along well!
Erin
A crummy commercial? Son of a *****…
I am a lunatic who just watched that movie this week. Christmas-holic, anyone?
I just tried your pancakes yesterday (long time reader first time recipe maker) and they were just wonderful. Especially for no egg…let me know if you need sparkling comments for the book.
You’re serious with the steamed kale and pumpkin seed bit? It’s official. I’m kidnapping your child. Apologies in advance.
This granola is perfect! I love how simple it is. I am always trying to pack my granola with 45 things. The sweet + salty really comes out in it too. I bet the low oven temp is the reason everything is crisped to perfection. I must try that method out! Yummmmmm..this will be gone in no time!
only 3 costume changes? must’ve been a slow day at the pea casa. haha. that pic of lulu looking up at gigi is adorable. my sis and i have one like that and its still our fave of all time. truly precious.
your kids are cute:)
you’re so lucky!
I just made the granola. Deeeelicious!! Thanks so much for the recipe!